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Official dipping pen attributed to President John F. Kennedy's signing of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (H.R. 11040). The official 'bill signer' Esterbrook pen measures 6.25˝ long and features a black plastic grip with a Lucite handle imprinted with "The President—The White House." Mounted and framed to an overall size of 10 x 5.5, with an engraved plaque: "Pen used by President John F. Kennedy to sign the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, 8-31-62." In fine condition. Accompanied by an original vintage glossy 9 x 7 photo of the signing of the act (erroneously annotated "1963" in the lower border), showing President Kennedy surrounded by several of the bill's sponsors.
The Communications Satellite Act of 1962, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, established a framework for the United States to develop commercial satellite communications. It created the Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT), a private company with government oversight, to represent the U.S. in international satellite ventures. The act marked a pivotal step in opening space technology to commercial use, fostering new opportunities in global telecommunications and broadcasting.
Originates from the collection of Edward C. Welsh (1909–1990), an American economist and government administrator who served as the inaugural Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council under President John F. Kennedy. Before that, he advised Senator Stuart Symington on space policy during the Democratic primary; material he developed for Symington was later repurposed in Kennedy’s campaign to sharpen his posture toward the Soviet Union.
